Methods of Synthesis of Mesoporous Nano-Sized Beta Zeolites by Desilication and Uses Thereof

ABSTRACT

A nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition and processes for the synthesis and use of the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta. The nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta is synthesized using desilication without the addition of a structure directing agent (SDA). A process for hydrocracking a hydrocarbon feedstock using the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta is also provided

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure generally relates to nano-sized mesoporous zeolite compositions. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to the synthesis of such compositions using desilication and the use of such compositions

Description of the Related Art

Zeolites are crystallized aluminosilicates that are widely used in heavy oil conversion processes such as hydrocracking and fluid catalytic cracking processes. In particular, beta zeolites are used in such processes based on considerations of pore structure, stability, and acidity. The feedstock to these processes is a portion of the crude oil that has an initial boiling point of 350° C. and an average molecular weight ranging from about 200 to 600 or greater. Due to the annual deterioration in the properties of crude oil and the increasing demand for clean fuel and petrochemicals, more heavy oils need to be converted using various processes and catalysts such as zeolites.

SUMMARY

Crude oil (for example, heavy crude oil) may be passed through hydro-treating and then hydrocracking catalysts to remove undesired contents, such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals, and convert high molecular weight hydrocarbons (complex aromatics or unsaturated hydrocarbons) into naphtha, kerosene, gasoline, diesel oil or high-quality lubricating oils. The catalyst used in hydroprocessing has two functions: cracking of high molecular weight hydrocarbons and hydrogenating the unsaturated molecules. Conventional beta zeolites (also referred to as “zeolite beta”) have relatively small pore sizes (less than 2 nm) that do not allow the large molecules of heavy oil conversion processes to diffuse in and to react on the active sites located inside the zeolites, thus resulting in a negative impact on the performance of beta zeolite catalysts. This results in low catalytic activity and possible deactivation of the catalyst.

The mass transfer of molecules may be enhanced by increasing the pore sizes and reducing the particle sizes of zeolites, thus improving catalyst performance. In some instances, ordered mesoporous aluminosilicates with larger pore sizes may be used to synthesize a catalyst with relatively larger pore sizes. Additionally, the particle size of the catalyst may be reduced during synthesis to increase external surface and shorten the diffusion path of molecules to thereby increase catalyst performance. However, synthesizing a catalyst having nano-sized particles and mesoporosity is difficult via existing techniques.

Existing synthesis processes for nano-sized beta zeolites present various problems, such as a decreased yield of final products due to the need for ion exchange and separation steps to obtained H-form zeolite product or protonic zeolite forms. Existing processes that use an alkaline treatment typically require calcination of the zeolite beta before additional treatment, thus removing all the template or structure directing agent (SDA) used for the zeolite synthesis. To maintain the zeolite structure in the post alkaline treatment, such processes add an SDA to the treatment solution. If a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution is used, such process require a back ion-exchange of sodium ions (Na+). To reduce the sodium ions (Na+), a post ammonium (NH4+) ion exchange is required, which increases the cost of synthesis and reduces yield of the zeolite.

Embodiments of the disclosure include a process for the synthesis of a nano-sized zeolite beta having mesopores (referred as a “meso-nano zeolite beta”) using desilication via a base to treat a template having nano-sized zeolite beta without drying and calcination of the zeolite. The process may synthetize a nano-sized zeolite beta without the use of a structure directing agent (SDA) such as cetrimonium bromide (CTAB). The meso-nano zeolite beta may be used as a catalyst in heavy oil conversion processes such as hydrocracking and fluid catalytic cracking.

In one embodiment, a method for synthesizing a nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition is provided. The method includes mixing silica, a source of aluminum, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and water to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel, heating the aluminosilicate fluid gel for at a first temperature for a first time period to form a zeolite beta product, and mixing the zeolite beta product with aqueous ammonia to form an ammonia-zeolite mixture. The method also includes heating the ammonia-zeolite mixture at a second temperature for a second time period to form a treated zeolite beta product, filtering the treated zeolite beta product, and washing the treated zeolite beta product after the filtering. The method further includes drying the treated zeolite beta at a third temperature for a third time period after the washing and calcinating the treated zeolite beta product at a fourth temperature for a fourth time period after the drying to produce the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition.

In some embodiments, the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a pore volume of 1.0 milliliters per gram (ml/g) to 1.5 ml/g. In some embodiments, the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a pore size of 15 nanometers (nm) to 50 nm. In some embodiments, the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a particle size of 10 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm. In some embodiments, the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a relative crystallinity of 90% to 120%. In some embodiments, the silica is fumed silica. In some embodiments, the source of aluminum is aluminum oxide. In some embodiments, the first temperature is in the range of 100° C. to 150° C. and the first time period is in the range of 2 days to 7 days. In some embodiments, the second temperature is in the range of 50° C. to 200° C. and the second time period is in the range of 5 hours to 48 hours. In some embodiments, the third temperature is in the range of 80° C. to 150° C., and the third time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours. In some embodiments, the fourth temperature is in the range of 500° C. to 600° C., and the fourth time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours. In some embodiments, the method includes stirring the ammonia-zeolite mixture for a time period of 0.5 hours to 4 hours.

In another embodiment, a method for hydrocracking a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided. The method includes contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock with a catalyst containing a nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition under reaction conditions to convert a product stream containing at least 20 weight percent of hydrocarbons with 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition is synthesized by a method that includes mixing silica, a source of aluminum, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and water to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel, heating the aluminosilicate fluid gel for at a first temperature for a first time period to form a zeolite beta product, and mixing the zeolite beta product with aqueous ammonia to form an ammonia-zeolite mixture. The method also includes heating the ammonia-zeolite mixture at a second temperature for a second time period to form a treated zeolite beta product, filtering the treated zeolite beta product, and washing the treated zeolite beta product after the filtering. The method further includes drying the treated zeolite beta at a third temperature for a third time period after the washing and calcinating the treated zeolite beta product at a fourth temperature for a fourth time period after the drying to produce the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition.

In some embodiments, the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a pore volume of 1.0 milliliters per gram (ml/g) to 1.5 ml/g, a pore size of 15 nanometers (nm) to 50 nm. In some embodiments, the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a particle size of 10 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm, and a relative crystallinity of 90% to 120%. In some embodiments, the silica is fumed silica. In some embodiments, the source of aluminum is aluminum oxide. In some embodiments, the first temperature is in the range of 100° C. to 150° C. and the first time period is in the range of 2 days to 7 days. In some embodiments, the second temperature is in the range of 50° C. to 200° C. and the second time period is in the range of 5 hours to 48 hours. In some embodiments, the third temperature is in the range of 80° C. to 150° C., and the third time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours. In some embodiments, the fourth temperature is in the range of 500° C. to 600° C., and the fourth time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours. In some embodiments, the method includes stirring the ammonia-zeolite mixture for a time period of 0.5 hours to 4 hours. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon feedstock is a heavy fraction having a boiling point greater or equal to 540° C.

In another embodiment, a nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition is provided. The composition includes a plurality of nano-sized mesoporous zeolite particles, each of the plurality of particles having a particle size of 10 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm, a pore volume of 1.0 milliliters per gram (ml/g) to 1.5 ml/g, a pore size of 15 nanometers (nm) to 50 nm, and a relative crystallinity of 90% to 120%. The plurality of nano-sized mesoporous zeolite particles are synthesized by a method that includes mixing silica, a source of aluminum, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and water to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel, heating the aluminosilicate fluid gel for at a first temperature for a first time period to form a zeolite beta product, and mixing the zeolite beta product with aqueous ammonia to form an ammonia-zeolite mixture. The method also includes heating the ammonia-zeolite mixture at a second temperature for a second time period to form a treated zeolite beta product, filtering the treated zeolite beta product, and washing the treated zeolite beta product after the filtering. The method further includes drying the treated zeolite beta at a third temperature for a third time period after the washing and calcinating the treated zeolite beta product at a fourth temperature for a fourth time period after the drying to produce the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The FIGURE is a block diagram of a process for synthesizing a meso-nano zeolite beta in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Embodiment of the disclosure include a meso-nano zeolite beta composition and processes for the synthesis and use of the meso-nano zeolite beta. The process includes synthesis of the meso-nano zeolite beta using desilication via a base without a structure directing agent (SDA) such as CTAB and without drying and calcination of the zeolite. The resulting meso-nano zeolite beta composition is an H-form meso-nano zeolite beta.

Advantageously, the synthetized meso-nano zeolite beta has improved crystallinity and mesoporosity as compared to conventional beta zeolites and synthesis processes. The improved crystallinity and mesoporosity may result in improved catalytic performance in heavy oil conversion processes such as hydrocracking and fluid catalytic cracking. Moreover, the synthesis processes described in the disclosure result in reduced cost and complexity (for example, number of synthesis steps) as compared to conventional processes. For example, the silica and aluminum sources used in embodiments of the disclosure do not contain any sodium or other metals, thus eliminating the requirement for a post-NH4 ion exchange step to reduce the sodium ions or other metal ions.

The FIGURE depicts a process 100 for synthesizing a meso-nano zeolite beta in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Initially, a nano-sized zeolite beta may be synthesized from a gel composition (block 102). The gel composition may have the following molar ratios: about 20 to about 500 moles of fumed silica (SiO₂); about 15 to about 40 moles of tetraethylammonium hydroxide (C8H21NO, referred to herein as “TEAOH”) to 1 mole of aluminum (for example, a source such as gamma alumina (γ-Al₂O₃)) and about 17 moles to about 700 moles of H₂O. In some embodiments the silica is fumed silica. In such embodiments, the fumed silica may be Aerosil® 200 available from Evonik Industries AG of Essen, German. Degussa. In other embodiments, the silica may be colloidal silica. In some embodiments, the source of aluminum is aluminum oxide (“alumina”). In some embodiments, the source of aluminum may be aluminum powder. In some embodiments the TEAOH and H₂O may be provided as a TEAOH solution. In some embodiments, the TEAOH solution may have a concentration in the range of 20 weight % (wt %) to 40 wt %. In such embodiments, the TEAOH solution may be a 35 wt % TEAOH aqueous solution, such as available from MillporeSigma of Burlington, Mass., USA. In some embodiments, additional water (H₂O) may be used in addition to the water in the TEAOH aqueous solution to reach the desired amount of moles.

The nano-sized zeolite beta may be synthesized by preparing a slurry from the fumed silica and TEAOH aqueous solution (block 104) in the molar ratios described above. Next, the alumina may be dissolved in a separate portion of the TEAOH aqueous solution and added to the slurry to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel (block 106). The aluminosilicate fluid gel may be stirred for a time period of about 4 hours at ambient temperature (block 108). The aluminosilicate fluid gel may then be transferred to an autoclave, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lined stainless steel autoclave. The aluminosilicate fluid gel may be allowed to crystalize in the autoclave at a static state of a temperature of 100° C. to 150° C. for a time period of 2 days to 7 days (block 110) to produce a crystalized nano-sized zeolite beta.

Next, an aqueous solution of ammonia (NH₃(aq)) is added to the crystalized nano-sized zeolite beta (block 112) without drying, calcination, or both of the zeolite beta to form an ammonia-zeolite mixture. In some embodiments, the solution may be a 0.1 moles (M) to 5.0 M NH₃ aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the mass ratio of NH₃(aq):SiO₂ is in the range of 10:1 to 20:1. The ammonia-zeolite mixture may be stirred for a time period of 0.5 hours to 4 hours at room temperature (block 114).

The ammonia-zeolite mixture may then be transferred to an autoclave and treated at a temperature in the range of 50° C. to 150° C. for a time period of 5 hours to 48 hours (block 116).

The treated nano-sized zeolite beta product may be filtered and washed 2 to 4 times using deionized water (block 118). The washed product may be dried (block 120) at a temperature of 80° C. to 150° C. for a time period of about 3 hours to 8 hours. For example, the drying may be performed using an oven. The dried product may calcinated at a temperature of 500° C. to 600° C. for a time period of about 3 hours to 8 hours (block 122) to produce a meso-nano zeolite beta. The calcination may performed using an oven.

The meso-nano zeolite beta produced by the process illustrated in the FIGURE and described infra may have the following properties: a particle size of 10 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm; a surface area greater than 510 meters squared per gram (m²/g), such as 545 m²/g to 745 m²/g and, in some embodiments, 605 m²/g to 678 m²/g; a pore volume of 1.0 milliliters per gram (ml/g) to 1.5 ml/g; a pore size of 15 nm to 50 nm; and a relatively crystallinity of 90% to 120%. As used in this disclosure, pore volume refers to the total pore volume measured. Additionally, the resulting meso-nano zeolite beta produced by the process illustrated in the FIGURE and described infra is an H-form meso-nano zeolite beta.

The combination of nano-particle sizes and mesoporosity of the produced meso-nano zeolite beta may enhance the diffusion of large molecules inside the zeolite structure due to larger accessible active sites and faster and easier mass transfer. Additionally, the combined nano-particle sizes and mesoporosity increases the hydrothermal stability and the external surface area which will provides improved activity of selectivity of the catalyst for heavy oil conversion processes as compared to existing zeolite catalysts.

A meso-nano zeolite beta synthesized according to a process of the present disclosure and having the properties described in the disclosure may be used as in a process for hydrocracking a hydrocarbon feedstock. A process for hydrocracking a hydrocarbon feedstock using a meso-nano zeolite beta in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure may include contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock with a catalyst containing a meso-nano zeolite beta under reaction conditions to produce a product stream. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon feedstock may include a “heavy” fraction having a boiling points of 540° C. or above (540° C.+). As compared to conventional catalysts and processes, the meso-nano zeolite beta may increase the conversion of the 540° C.+ fraction into lighter fractions (for example, paraffinic and naphthenic fractions) and thereby increase olefin yields and profitability. The lighter fractions may be more easily converted by steam cracking to produce a greater yield of light olefins.

The reaction conditions hydrocracking the hydrocarbon feedstock may include a temperature ranging from 250° C. to 420° C., a liquid hourly space velocity ranging from 0.5 per hour to 10 per hour, and a hydrogen to oil volume ratio ranging from 500 to 2000. The reaction conditions may include a temperature ranging from 250° C. to 400° C., or from 250° C. to 375° C., or from 300° C. to 420° C., or from 325° C. to 400° C. The reaction conditions may include a liquid hourly space velocity ranging from 0.5 per hour to 8 per hour, or from 0.5 per hour to 5 per hour, or from 0.5 per hour to 2 per hour. The reaction conditions may include a hydrogen to oil volume ratio ranging from 500 to 1800, or from 500 to 1500, or from 700 to 1800, or from 700 to 1500. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon feedstock has at least 60 wt % of components with a boiling point ranging from 180-540° C. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon feedstock has at least 70 wt % of components with a boiling point ranging from 180-540° C. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon feedstock has at least 80 wt % of components with a boiling point ranging from 180-540° C.

Examples

The following examples are included to demonstrate embodiments of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques and compositions disclosed in the example which follows represents techniques and compositions discovered to function well in the practice of the disclosure, and thus can be considered to constitute modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or a similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

An example meso-nano zeolite beta synthesized by an embodiment of the disclosure was compared to a reference conventional nano-zeolite beta (referred to as “Ref-nanobeta”). The reference conventional nano-zeolite beta (“Ref-nanobeta”) was synthesized using the following process:

1. A nano-sized zeolite beta was synthesized with a precursor solution having a molar composition of 30 moles of TEAOH: 50 moles of SiO₂:Al₂O₃: 750 moles of H₂O. The solution was prepared by dissolving 0.27 g of metal aluminum powder in 25 g of 35% TEAOH solution and stirring the aluminum-TEAOH mixture at room temperature for one hour to form a clear solution. A slurry was formed by mixing 15 g of fumed silica with 38 g of 35% TEAOH solution. The slurry was mixed with the aluminum-TEAOH mixture to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel. The aluminosilicate gel was stirring in a beaker at room temperature for 4 hours. The aluminosilicate gel was transferred to a PTFE-lined autoclave and heated in an oven at a temperature of 140° C. for 3 days.

2. The autoclave was quenched and the solid product was separated from the liquid using a centrifuge at 12,000 revolutions-per-minute (rpm). The separated solid was washed with distilled water, dried at 110° C. for 8 hours, and then calcinated at 600° C. for 4 hours to produce the reference conventional nano-zeolite beta (“Ref-nanobeta”).

The example meso-nano zeolite beta was synthesized according to the following embodiment of the disclosure:

1. A nano-sized zeolite beta was synthesized with a precursor solution having a molar composition of 30 moles of TEAOH: 50 moles of SiO₂:Al₂O₃: 750 moles of H₂O. The solution was prepared by dissolving 0.27 g of metal aluminum powder in 25 g of 35% TEAOH solution and stirring the aluminum-TEAOH mixture at room temperature for one hour to form a clear solution. A slurry was formed by mixing 15 g of fumed silica with 38 g of 35% TEAOH solution. The slurry was mixed with the aluminum-TEAOH mixture to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel. The aluminosilicate gel was stirring in a beaker at room temperature for 4 hours. The aluminosilicate gel was transferred to a PTFE-lined autoclave and heated in an oven at a temperature of 140° C. for 3 days.

2. 50 g of a 1.0 M aqueous ammonia solution (NH₃(aq)) was added to the nano-sized zeolite beta. The ammonia-zeolite mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours.

3. The ammonia-zeolite mixture was heated in an oven at different temperatures to produce treated ammonia-zeolite mixture for different example meso-nano zeolite betas. The ammonia-zeolite mixture was heated in an oven at a temperature of 150° C. for 10 hours to produce an example meso-nano zeolite beta referred to as “MesoNB-1.” The ammonia-zeolite mixture was heated in an oven at a temperature of 100° C. for 10 hours to produce an example meso-nano zeolite beta referred to as “MesoNB-2.” The ammonia-zeolite mixture was heated in an oven at a temperature of 80° C. for 10 hours to produce an example meso-nano zeolite beta referred to as “MesoNB-3.” The ammonia-zeolite mixture was heated in an oven at a temperature of 100° C. for 5 hours to produce an example meso-nano zeolite beta referred to as “MesoNB-8.” The ammonia-zeolite mixture was heated in an oven at a temperature of 100° C. for 24 hours to produce an example meso-nano zeolite beta referred to as “MesoNB-9.”

4. Each of the treated ammonia-zeolite mixture was then filtered, washed with distilled water, dried at 120° C. for 8 hours, and calcinated at 600° C. for 4 hours to produce the example meso-nano zeolite betas referred to as “MesoNB-1,” “MesoNB-2,”, “MesoNB-3,” “MesoNB-8,” and “MesoNB-9.”

The relative crystallinity of the various zeolite betas were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) using a diffractometer, such as a Rigaku Ultima IV multi-purpose diffractometer with a copper X-ray tube available from Rigaku Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. The scanning range was set between 2° to 50° in 20 Bragg-angles with a step size of 0.04° and a total counting time of 1° per minute. The crystallinity percentage was calculated by PANalytical High Score Plus software available from Malvern Panalytical of Mavern, Worcestershire, United Kingdom, through the comparison of the area under the most intense diffraction peaks to that of patterns of a reference zeolite beta.

The surface area was determined using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and calculated with the multipoint BET equation. The pore volume was calculated from the maximum adsorption amount of nitrogen. The pore size distribution was determined based on the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method and the desorption branch of the isotherm. The average pore sizes were calculated by according to equation 1:

P _(s)=4V/S  (1)

where P_(s)=pore size, V=pore volume, and S=surface area.

Particle sizes were measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM was operated at about 200 kV. The average particle sizes were obtained by measuring all the particles in 5 to 8 TEM images and determining the mean.

The properties of conventional nano-zeolite beta (“Ref-nanobeta”) and the example meso-nano zeolite beta MesoNB-2 are summarized below in Table 1:

TABLE 1 PROPERTIES OF REFERENCE NANO-ZEOLITE BETA AND MESO-NANO ZEOLITE BETA Sample name Ref-nanobeta MesoNB-2 Surface area (m²/g) 510 672 Pore volume (ml/g) 0.896 1.30 Average pore size (nm) 7.0 8.7 Relative crystallinity (%) 100 118

As shown in Table 1, the properties of the example meso-nano zeolite beta MesoNB-2 were significantly increased as compared to the reference conventional nano-sized zeolite beta. As compared to the reference conventional nano-sized zeolite beta, the significant increase in pore volume and pore size indicate the generation of more mesopores. Additionally, the crystallinity of the example meso-nano zeolite beta was significantly greater, indicating improved preservation of the zeolite structure during the treatment. The calcination of the Ref-nanobeta removes the TEAOH template. In contrast to the Ref-nanobeta, the TEAOH template was preserved inside the zeolite cages and channels during the synthesis of the MesoNB-2. The preserved template preserves the zeolite structure and enhances the zeolite crystallinity.

The properties of the various example meso-nano zeolite betas are summarized below in Table 2:

TABLE 2 PROPERTIES OF MESO-NANO ZEOLITE BETAS Sample name MesoNB-1 MesoNB-2 MesoNB-3 MesoNB-8 MesoNB-9 NH₃(aq)/Zeolite weight ratio 16.67 16.67 16.67 16.67 16.67 NH₃(aq)/Concentration (M) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Condition treated in autoclave Temperature (° C.) 150 100 80 100 100 Time (hr) 10 10 10 5 24 Characterization BET Surface area (m₂/g) 659 672 678 664 605 Pore volume (ml/g) 1.29 1.30 1.32 1.32 1.29 Average pore size (nm) 8.8 8.7 8.8 9.0 9.5 XRD Crystallinity (%) 96% 118% 98% 96% 88%

As shown in Table 2, the treatment temperature may slightly affect crystallinity of the meso-nano zeolite beta. As also shown in Table 2, an increased treatment time may result in a slightly decreased surface area and crystallinity but with a slight decrease in pore volume.

Ranges may be expressed in the disclosure as from about one particular value, to about another particular value, or both. When such a range is expressed, it is to be understood that another embodiment is from the one particular value, to the other particular value, or both, along with all combinations within said range.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the embodiments described in the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms shown and described in the disclosure are to be taken as examples of embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described in the disclosure, parts and processes may be reversed or omitted, and certain features may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description. Changes may be made in the elements described in the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as described in the following claims. Headings used in the disclosure are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for synthesizing a nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition, comprising: mixing silica, a source of aluminum, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and water to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel; heating the aluminosilicate fluid gel for at a first temperature for a first time period to form a zeolite beta product; mixing the zeolite beta product with aqueous ammonia to form an ammonia-zeolite mixture; heating the ammonia-zeolite mixture at a second temperature for a second time period to form a treated zeolite beta product; filtering the treated zeolite beta product; washing the treated zeolite beta product after the filtering; drying the treated zeolite beta at a third temperature for a third time period after the washing; and calcinating the treated zeolite beta product at a fourth temperature for a fourth time period after the drying to produce the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a pore volume of 1.0 milliliters per gram (ml/g) to 1.5 ml/g.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a pore size of 15 nanometers (nm) to 50 nm.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a particle size of 10 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a relative crystallinity of 90% to 120%.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the silica comprises fumed silica.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the source of aluminum is aluminum oxide.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first temperature is in the range of 100° C. to 150° C. and the first time period is in the range of 2 days to 7 days.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second temperature is in the range of 50° C. to 200° C. and the second time period is in the range of 5 hours to 48 hours.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the third temperature is in the range of 80° C. to 150° C., and the third time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the fourth temperature is in the range of 500° C. to 600° C., and the fourth time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours.
 12. The method of claim 1, comprising stirring the ammonia-zeolite mixture for a time period of 0.5 hours to 4 hours.
 13. A method for hydrocracking a hydrocarbon feedstock, the method comprising: contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock with a catalyst containing a nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition under reaction conditions to convert a product stream containing at least 20 weight percent of hydrocarbons with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition is synthesized by a method comprising the steps of: mixing silica, a source of aluminum, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and water to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel; heating the aluminosilicate fluid gel for at a first temperature for a first time period to form a zeolite beta product; mixing the zeolite beta product with aqueous ammonia to form an ammonia-zeolite mixture; heating the ammonia-zeolite mixture at a second temperature for a second time period to form a treated zeolite beta product; filtering the treated zeolite beta product; washing the treated zeolite beta product after the filtering; drying the treated zeolite beta at a third temperature for a third time period after the washing; and calcinating the treated zeolite beta product at a fourth temperature for a fourth time period after the drying to produce the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition has a pore volume of 1.0 milliliters per gram (ml/g) to 1.5 ml/g, a pore size of 15 nanometers (nm) to 50 nm, a particle size of 10 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm, and a relative crystallinity of 90% to 120%.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the silica comprises fumed silica.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the source of aluminum is aluminum oxide.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the first temperature is in the range of 100° C. to 150° C. and the first time period is in the range of 2 days to 7 days.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the second temperature is in the range of 50° C. to 200° C. and the second time period is in the range of 5 hours to 48 hours.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the third temperature is in the range of 80° C. to 150° C., and the third time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the fourth temperature is in the range of 500° C. to 600° C., and the fourth time period is in the range of 3 hours to 8 hours.
 21. The method of claim 13, comprising stirring the ammonia-zeolite mixture for a time period of 0.5 hours to 4 hours.
 22. The method of claim 13, wherein the hydrocarbon feedstock comprises a heavy fraction comprising a boiling point greater or equal to 540° C.
 23. A nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition, comprising: a plurality of nano-sized mesoporous zeolite particles, each of the plurality of particles having a particle size of 10 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm, a pore volume of 1.0 milliliters per gram (ml/g) to 1.5 ml/g, a pore size of 15 nanometers (nm) to 50 nm, and a relative crystallinity of 90% to 120%, wherein the plurality of nano-sized mesoporous zeolite particles are synthesized by a method comprising the steps of: mixing silica, a source of aluminum, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and water to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel; mixing silica, a source of aluminum, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and water to form an aluminosilicate fluid gel; heating the aluminosilicate fluid gel for at a first temperature for a first time period to form a zeolite beta product; mixing the zeolite beta product with aqueous ammonia to form an ammonia-zeolite mixture; heating the ammonia-zeolite mixture at a second temperature for a second time period to form a treated zeolite beta product; filtering the treated zeolite beta product; washing the treated zeolite beta product after the filtering; drying the treated zeolite beta at a third temperature for a third time period after the washing; and calcinating the treated zeolite beta product at a fourth temperature for a fourth time period after the drying to produce the nano-sized mesoporous zeolite beta composition. 